Peninsula Symphony, John Williams

John Williams is the President of the Peninsula Symphony Association. He came to California from Illinois at age 13, attended USC, and became a Navy submariner. He retired from Morgan Stanley in 2013.

The Peninsula Symphony’s first concert was in December 1967, and it is now beginning its 50th year. It presents 4 free concerts per year to the South Bay community at 7 PM on Sundays, and will also present a Pops Concert this year, at the Redondo Union High School Auditorium (on PCH at Vincent St in Redondo Beach). The Symphony tries to give music experience to children, including the annual Edith Knox Competition for musicians under age 25, who perform by memory on a solo instrument with orchestra and piano accompaniment. Winners attend rehearsals and appear in concert with the Symphony in June.

Gary Berkson, the Symphony’s Music Director & Conductor, is a graduate of the Julliard School of Music in New York. Half of the musicians are paid professionals, and the remainder are volunteer musicians. The Symphony has one part-time paid employee. Some of the orchestra’s income comes from membership (see brochure), starting at $75 per year, with the remainder from private donations and fundraising events.

The 50th Anniversary Celebration concert will be on Sun, Oct 30 at 7 PM at the RUHS Auditorium. More information on the Peninsula Symphony’s performance schedule, programs, and membership information are available at http://www.pensym.org/Membership.html.